Tar Heels investigating trips made by Hansbrough’s mom

Tami Hansbrough, the mother of Tyler Hansbrough who works as a salaried fundraiser for the University of North Carolina, was placed on administrative leave while the legitimacy of her travel is investigated.

Tami Hansbrough has a salary of $95,000 with a job title of major gifts officer, vice chancellor of student affairs office according to an email Tuesday to The Sports Xchange from UNC communications director Michael McFarland. She was appointed to that role on Feb. 14, 2011, after working previously as the associate director of development for the UNC school of dentistry, which enrolls 450 student annually at its Chapel Hill, N.C., campus.

Of greatest interest to North Carolina school officials, according to the Raleigh News & Observer, are trips with former chief fundraiser Matt Kupec.

Kupec has been a university employee for 20 years and played quarterback for the Tar Heels in the 1970s. He was vice chancellor at North Carolina until late Monday night, when his resignation was accepted by university chancellor Holden Thorp.

“Matt has made significant contributions over the years, raising billions of dollars for the University. However, these are serious issues that require a thorough investigation,” Thorp said in a statement.

Kupec’s travel expenses, including trips with Tami Hansbrough, are already being reviewed by internal university audit, the university said in a release.

“I have enjoyed 21 years of raising critical private dollars to support this great University,” Kupec said in a news release. “I have proudly led two hugely successful campaigns — the $440 million Bicentennial Campaign for Carolina and the $2.38 billion raised during the Carolina First Campaign. In all, I have helped raise $4 billion for Carolina.

“I have been privileged to have worked with incredibly talented faculty, students, administrators and staff. I have worked with gifted Chancellors. But most of all, I have been fortunate to work with a score of passionate alumni and friends who love this University and who have paved the way through their generosity to make Carolina a true gem.”